RAD 140 (Testolone) is one of the best SARMs, if not the best, for building lean muscle, and it’s also notoriously good at increasing strength.
Based on my analysis of thousands of anecdotal reports and numerous clinical trials, one can expect lean muscle gains of up to 8 lbs in an average 8-week cycle between 10 – 20 mg/day.
This article will showcase the before and after results of numerous anecdotal RAD 140 cycles from real users that shared them on Reddit. Each example will include:
- dosing
- before and after weight difference
- progression on lifts
- on cycle training and diet
- PCT protocol
- etc.
After seeing the examples in this article you will have an idea and estimate of what RAD 140 can do in general, and for yourself.
The making of this article took me hours upon hours of research, and I wanted to actually take the time and compile real-life and legit before-and-after transformations with RAD 140, as all of the stuff featured on other websites is blatantly fake.
Enjoy.
8 Weeks | Recomp | Rad 140 + MK677
Reddit User & Source: u/Dumbledorbin
Available information:
This transformation was achieved in a 4 month time period, out of which the user was using RAD 140 in conjunction with MK677 for a total of 8 weeks.
Users’ stats:
- Height: 5’8
- Starting weight: 228 lbs
- Experience level: intermediate
Cycle details:
- Length: 8 weeks
- RAD 140 dosage: 10 mg/day
- MK677 dosage: 15 mg/day
Results:
- Lost 68lbs lost while gaining muscle and strength
- Reportedly experienced a massive increase in strength across all lifts
Weight | Bodyfat % | Bench | Squat | Deadlift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before | 228 lbs | ~ 25% | x | x | x |
After | 160 lbs | ~ 10% | x | x | x |
Testosterone base:
- User did not disclose a testosterone base
PCT:
- User did not do PCT
Blood work results:
- User did not post bloodwork
Reported side effects:
- User reported feeling major testosterone suppression, which took 2 months to reverse back to baseline – could have been easily prevented by a test base and PCT
Notes & suggestions:
This user was on an extreme training and diet regiment very few would be able to follow. A very rare example of what actually taking things to an extreme looks like.
His diet consisted of 800 – 1000 calories per day, and on top of that 35000 (~13 miles) steps per day. A session of lifting 7 days a week.
Diet:
- Breakfast: egg whites, french toast (250 calories)
- Lunch: can of tuna (110 calories)
- Dinner: 100-150g of 5% fat lean beef mince and cauliflower rice
The same foods, 4 months every single day.
He lost 23 lbs in the first 4 weeks alone.
The user also reported that it took him 2 months to get his natural testosterone levels back to baseline after the cycle.
The suppression from RAD 140 coupled with the extreme caloric deficit suppressed his testosterone levels very low, though unfortunately, he did not do bloodwork so we cannot know exactly.
To prevent this always do bloodwork, have a test base ready to deploy, and do PCT accordingly.
8 Weeks | Bulk | RAD 140 Only
Reddit User & Source: u/[deleted]
Available information:
Users’ stats:
- Height: user did not disclose
- Starting weight: user did not disclose
- Experience level: user did not disclose
Cycle details:
- Length: 8 weeks
- RAD 140 dose: 10 – 15 mg/day
Caloric intake during cycle:
- user did not disclose exact caloric intake
Results:
- User did not disclose lifts so we cannot see exactly how much progress he made apart from the before and after pictures
Weight | Bodyfat % | Bench | Squat | Deadlift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before | 210 to 180 lbs | x | x | x | x |
After | 200 lbs | x | x | x | x |
Testosterone base:
- Clomid at 25 mg/day for the duration of the whole cycle.
PCT:
- continued taking Clomid for 4-6 weeks after the cycle
Bloodwork results:
- Baseline total testosterone: 700 ng/dl
- Post cycle total testosterone: 500 ng/dl
- Post PCT total testosterone: 920 ng/dl
Reported side effects:
- user did not report any side effects
Notes & suggestions:
The user in this example did an excellent job at recomping from skinny fat (first pic) to just skinny naturally (second pic), and then bulking up with RAD 140 (third pic).
This is another great example of what good dieting and consistency does paired with the intervention of a SARM. Overall great case study, but there are some things I would have done differently. Here are my suggestions:
- Taking Clomid (or any SERM for that matter) from day 1 of your cycle for the purpose of mitigating suppression is unnecessary, and can lead to aromatiaztion side effects like gyno.
- If you’re going to do a SARM+SERM protocol, then implement the SERM when the suppression kicks in, which for RAD 140 is around week 4
12 Weeks | Cut | RAD 140 + MK677
Reddit User & Source: u/Liaminati
Available information:
User u/Liaminati did not disclose much information about his cycle apart from what he used and the before and after pictures, so unfortunately we cannot do a detailed analysis.
Users’ stats:
- Height: user did not disclose
- Starting weight: user did not disclose
- Experience level: 7 years
Cycle details:
- Length: 12 weeks
- user did not disclose dosages
Caloric intake during cycle:
- user did not disclose exact caloric intake
Results:
- User did not disclose lifts so we cannot see exactly how much progress he made apart from the before and after pictures
Weight | Bodyfat % | Bench | Squat | Deadlift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before | x | x | x | x | x |
After | x | x | x | x | x |
Testosterone base:
- user did not disclose a test base
PCT:
- user did not disclose PCT
Bloodwork results:
- user did not disclose lab tests
Reported side effects:
- user did not disclose any side effects
Notes & suggestions:
This is a great example of what consistency, hard work, and excellent genetics do when you pair them up.
Unfortunately user u/Liaminati did not go in depth on dosages, exact lifts, weight gain, etc. on the Reddit thread, but you can see his full transformation in the video below:
8 Weeks | Bulk | RAD 140 Only
Reddit User & Source: u/Morthannaras
Available information:
Users’ stats:
- Height: 5’9
- Starting weight: 158 lbs
- Experience level: 4 years
Cycle details:
- RAD 140 dose: 10 mg/day weeks 1-2, 20mg/day next 6
Caloric intake during cycle:
- Was on a caloric surplus, did not disclose exact daily calories
Results:
- Gained 10lbs at the same bodyfat
- Lifts increased +55-60% on 1RM weight
Weight | Bodyfat % | Bench | Squat | Deadlift | OHP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before | 158 lbs | ~18% | x | x | x | x |
After | 168 lbs | ~18% | +55-60% 1RM | +55-60% 1RM | +55-60% 1RM | +55-60% 1RM |
Testosterone base:
- user did not do a testosterone base
PCT:
- user did not disclose PCT protocol
Blood work results:
- user did not disclose bloodwork
Reported side effects:
- Aggression
Notes & suggestions:
Another great case study of what RAD 140 can do when taken at a high dose and a caloric surplus.
My only suggestions would be to have a SERM at hand whenever you do SARMs (of any strength) just incase you need them on-cycle or after it, especially when doing high doses.
Otherwise, great case study. Excellent progress u/Morthannaras
6 Weeks | Bulk | RAD 140 + MK677
Reddit User & Source: thread deleted
Available information:
Users’ stats:
- Height: unspecified
- Starting weight: 163 lbs
- Experience level: unspecified
Cycle details:
- Length: 6 weeks
- RAD 140 dosage: 15mg/day
- MK677 dosage: unspecified
Results:
The user gained 13 lbs of lean muscle in 6 weeks, and reported an increase across all of his lifts (didn’t clarify exactly how much).
Weight | Bench | Squat | Deadlift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Before | 163 lbs | x | x | x |
After | 183 lbs | x | x | x |
Testosterone base:
- user did not use a testosterone base of any kind
PCT:
- Tamoxifen, dosages and length unspecified by user
Bloodwork results:
- The user didn’t do bloodwork
Reported side effects:
- Symptoms of suppression: lethargy, low libido, weak erections
Diet:
- 3000 calories per day (bulk)
Notes & suggestions:
This is an excellent example of what SARMs and RCs can do when stacked correctly and complimented with a consistent diet and training regimen.
Stacking RAD 140 and MK677 are an excellent stack for bulking, as the two compounds target different muscle-building pathways to create a powerful synergy.
The user reported cutting the cycle short by 2 weeks on his Reddit thread (SARMs cycles should ideally last 8 weeks) because of suppression symptoms. This could have easily been avoided by doing a test base.
6 Weeks | Bulk | RAD 140 Only
Reddit User & Source: u/J-Kole
Available information:
User u/J-Kole did not disclose much info apart from the before and after pictures, his dosing, PCT, and on-cycle supplements.
Users’ stats:
- Height: 5’11
- Starting weight: user did not disclose
- Experience level: user did not disclose
Cycle details:
- Length: 6 weeks
- RAD 140 dosage: 15 mg/day for 3 weeks, 25 – 30 mg/day for 3 weeks
Caloric intake during cycle:
- user did not disclose caloric intake
Results:
- User did not disclose lifts, nor his weight so we cannot see exactly how much progress he made apart from the before and after pictures
Weight | Bodyfat % | Bench | Squat | Deadlift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before | x | x | x | x | x |
After | x | x | x | x | x |
Testosterone base:
- Dermacrine (DHEA) after week 4
PCT:
- Tamoxifen for 3 weeks (20/10/10)
- 20 mg/day week 1
- 10 mg/day weeks 2 & 3
Blood work results:
- User did bloodwork pre & post cycle, as well as post PCT, but did not publicly post it on his Reddit thread
- Liver enzymes slightly elevated after the cycle, but returned to normal a month after PCT
Reported side effects:
- Slightly elevated liver enzymes (ast, alt)
Notes & suggestions:
User u/J-Kole did a great job with his RAD 140 cycle. Unfortunately, he did not disclose the exact details, but the pictures speak for themselves.
In any case, my suggestions would be to not exceed 20 mg/day of RAD 140 since most users report a disproportionate increase of side effects to benefits when doing so.
U/J-Kole was very articulate and decided to use a test base in the form of DHEA to mitigate on-cycle suppression, which is very likely to happen on high doses.
Overall great case study.
8 Weeks | Recomp | RAD 140 Only
Reddit User & Source: thread deleted
Available information:
Users’ stats:
- Height: 5’8
- Experience level: 7 years of training
- Starting weight: 154 lbs
Cycle details:
- Length: 8 weeks
- Dosage: 20mg/day
Results:
- Gained 13 lbs of lean muscle
- Bench increased
Weight | Bench | Squat | Deadlift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Before | 154 lbs | 245 | x | x |
After | 167 lbs | 315 | x | x |
Testosterone base:
- user did not do a testosterone base
PCT protocol:
- Tamoxifen for 4 weeks (20/20/10/10)
- Weeks 1 & 2: 20 mg/day
- Weeks 3 & 4: 10 mg/day
Bloodwork results:
- The user didn’t do bloodwork
Reported side effects:
- Increased body heat
- Tiredness
Notes & suggestions:
The user in this example gained 13lbs and is considerably bigger, more vascular, and generally thicker in the after picture.
A perfect example of what RAD 140 can do when taken at a high dose.
As far as side effects go, the user reportedly felt fine and decided to skip doing bloodwork. He did report tiredness, which probably occurred as a symptom of testosterone suppression.
This could have been easily prevented by doing a test base via a SARM + SERM protocol.
12 Weeks | Bulk | RAD 140 Only
Reddit User & Source: u/GlobalGains
Available information:
This RAD 140 only transformation was achieved in 12 weeks. The user took 10 mg/day of RAD 140 in the first 8 weeks, and 20 mg/day in the final 4. The goal of the cycle was to gain muscle and strength.
Users’ stats:
- Height: unknown
- Starting weight: 145 lbs
- Experience level: 1 year
Cycle details:
- Length: 8 weeks
- RAD 140 dosage: 10 mg/day for 8 weeks, 20 mg/day for 4 weeks
Caloric intake during the cycle:
- 4000 calories/day (bulk)
Results:
- Gained 17 lbs of lean muscle – 162 lbs post cycle weight
- Experienced an increase of 50+lbs in strength across all lifts
Weight | Bodyfat % | Bench | Squat | Deadlift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before | 145 lbs | ~ 17% | x | x | x |
After | 162 lbs | ~ 16% | x | x | x |
Testosterone base:
- user did not disclose doing a testosterone base of any kind
PCT:
- User did not do PCT as both LH and FSH levels were within the reference range
Blood work results:
- User did bloodwork pre & post cycle with all of the biomarkers within range, unfortunately OP did not post the lab tests on his Reddit thread
Reported side effects:
- Minor hair shedding towards the end of the cycle
- Pre-existing gyno got worse
Notes & suggestions:
This user had a very successful cycle and gained 17 lbs of lean tissue during the 12 weeks.
This is a great example of what is possible with RAD 140 on caloric surplus, and a high-protein diet, with proper training.
Though I do not recommend you run RAD 140 so early in your lifting career.
And I also do not recommend running RAD 140 for more than 8 weeks if your primary goal is gaining muscle and strength as you will most likely plateau after.
U/GlobalGains was also very lucky to get away without a PCT after such a long RAD 140 cycle at a high dose.
Overall a great case study, and thanks to U/GlobalGains for sharing his progress with the community.
11 Weeks | Bulk | RAD 140 + MK 677
Reddit User & Source: u/Rare_Protection
Users’ stats:
- Height: 5’8
- Starting weight: 138lbs
- Age: 21
- Experience level: beginner
Cycle details:
- Week 1-2: MK 677 10mg
- Week 3-4: RAD 140 10mg, MK677 15mg
- Week 5-6: RDA 140 15mg, MK677 15mg
- Week 7-9: RAD 140 20mg, MK677 20mg
- Week 10-11: RAD 140 25mg, MK677 20mg
Results:
- User gained 28 lbs overall
- Increase in strength across all lifts but most notably:
Weight | Bodyfat % | Bench | Squat | Deadlift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before | 138 lbs | x | 205lbs | 185 lbs x 5 reps | x |
After | 166 lbs | x | 275lbs | 205 lbs x 10 reps | x |
Testosterone base:
- user did not do a testosterone base
PCT:
- Tamoxifen (20/20/10)
- Week 1: 20 mg/day
- Week 2: 20 mg/day
- Week 3 (only a few days): 10 mg/day
Bloodwork:
Pre-cycle > post-cycle (normal ranges)
- Liver Enzymes:
- AST: 17 > 54 H (less than 40)
- ALT: 10 > 43 H (less than 41)
- Testosterone (Total): 900 > 408
- HDL (good cholesterol) 57 > 31 (35-55)
- CK levels (muscle waste/inflammation) 145 > 1079 H (30-223)
- Prolactin 17 > 20 (4.04-15.20)
- DHEA 490 > 592 (211-492)
- SHBG 42 > 9.5 L (16.5-55.9)
Reported side effects:
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Testosterone suppression
- HDL decrease
- Increased prolactin
Diet:
- 3100-3600 calories/day
- 150-200 grams protein
- ~150 grams fat
- 250-300 grams carbs
Training:
- Monday: Chest and Back
- Tuesday: Arms
- Wednesday: Legs and Shoulders
- Thursday: rest
- Friday: Chest and Back
- Saturday: Arms
- Sunday: Legs and Shoulders
Notes & Suggestions:
This is one of the most detailed cycle reports I’ve come across.
User u/Rare_Protection had an incredibly successful cycle and gained 28 lbs in just 11 weeks.
He did bloodwork, just like you should, he tracked calories, was consistent in the gym, and was articulate with his cycle and supplementation.
Some of the side effects could have been prevented, namely the prolactin increase by supplementing with B6 (P5P), and the increase of liver enzymes by supplementing with NAC or TUDCA.
Overall, excellent case study.
8 Weeks | Bulk | RAD 140 Only
Reddit User & Source: Steve Fit
Users’ stats:
- Height 5’10
- Starting Weight 168.8 lbs
Cycle details:
- Week 1 & 2: 5mg/day
- Week 3 & 4: 7.5mg/day
- Week 5 & 6: 10mg/day
- Week 7 & 8: 12.5mg/day
Results:
- User gained 10.8 lbs of muscle at the same bodyfat
- Increased strength across all lifts
Bodyfat % | Bench | Squat | Deadlift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Before | ~ 12% | x | x | x |
After | ~ 12% | x | x | x |
Testosterone base:
- user did not do a testosterone base
PCT:
- The user did not take PCT and reported no symptoms of suppression
Bloodwork:
- User did not post bloodwork
Reported side effects:
- Mild aggression
- Hair shedding
Training & Diet:
- User ran a PPL (push pull legs) program
- Consumed 3400-3600 per day and ate 200g of protein
Notes:
Multiple Cycles | Bulk | RAD 140, MK 2866, LGD 4033
Reddit User & Source: u/FreakyOli
Available information:
User u/FreakyOli did not disclose much information about his RAD 140 cycle, but this is his progress after 3 cycles in which he used RAD 140, LGD 4033 and MK 2866.
Users’ stats:
- Height: user did not disclose
- Starting weight: user did not disclose
- Experience level: user did not disclose
Cycle details:
- user did not disclose
Caloric intake during the cycle:
- user did not disclose
Results:
- User did not disclose lifts so we cannot see exactly how much progress he made apart from the before and after pictures
Weight | Bodyfat % | Bench | Squat | Deadlift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before | 140 lbs | x | x | x | x |
After | 180 lbs | x | x | x | x |
Testosterone base:
- Dermacrine (DHEA) after week 4
PCT:
- user has never done PCT after any of his cycles
Bloodwork results:
- user did not disclose bloodwork
Reported side effects:
- user did not disclose any side effects
Notes & suggestions:
The progress pictures from user u/FreakyOli are based on a three year timeframe in which he did multiple cycles.
Unfortunately u/FreakyOli did not provide detailed info on his Reddit thread, so we can not do a thourough breakdown of his progress and cycles. In any case the pictures tell the tale, and all in all he gained around 40 lbs of muscle across 4 cycles which is impressive to say the least.
8 Weeks | 11.25 mg/day | Rad 140 Only
Reddit User & Source: thread deleted
Users’ stats:
- Height: 5’8
- Starting weight: 148lbs
- Experience level: 6 years of training
- Baseline Testosterone levels: 350 ng/dL (low)
Cycle details:
- Length: 8 weeks
- Dosage: 11.25 mg/day
Results:
- User gained 20lbs of muscle at a lower bodyfat
- Lifts went up
Weight | Bodyfat % | Bench | Squat | Deadlift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before | 148 lbs | ~ 15% | 200 lbs | 285 lbs | 300 lbs |
After | 168 lbs | ~ 12% | 265 lbs | 340 lbs | 360 lbs |
Testosterone base:
- user did not do a testosterone base
PCT:
- User did not do PCT
- Testosterone recovered to baseline in 5 weeks (keep in mind that it was low to begin with)
Bloodwork:
- user did not do bloodwork
Reported side effects:
- Experienced a migraine for the first time
- No symptoms of suppression (probably due to the user having low testosterone levels to begin with)
Training program:
- 7 day high volume PPL (push pull legs) program
Diet:
- ~4000 calories/day
- 160g+ protein
Notes:
The user in these pictures did a great job when it came to training and diet, and gained an exceptional amount of muscle in the timeframe of the before and after pictures – which consisted of a RAD 140 cycle and a number of months of natty training.
One concern about this case is the low baseline testosterone levels.
I would not recommend anyone to start a cycle with low test levels, as you run a very big risk of getting shut down completely.
The user luckily got away without experiencing that, but it could have easily gone the other way.
7 Weeks | Bulk | RAD 140 Only
Reddit User & Source: thread deleted
Users’ stats:
- Height 6’0
- Starting Weight 167 lbs
- Age: 39
Cycle details:
- Week 1: 7.5mg/day
- Week 2 -7: 10mg/day
Results:
- User gained 10 lbs of muscle at a lower bodyfat
- Lifts increased by ~ 20%
Weight | Bodyfat % | Bench | Squat | Deadlift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before | 168.8 lbs | 11% | x | x | x |
After | 177 lbs | 8.2% | x | x | x |
Testosterone base:
- user did not do a testosterone base
PCT:
- The user did not do proper post cycle therapy with a SERM, but instead used an over the counter supplement “After Wrath”
Bloodwork:
- Slight increase in liver enzymes (within reference range)
- User could not perform a testosterone blood test because of outside factors, but he reported mild symptoms of suppression
Reported side effects:
- mild headaches and nausea
- higher libido, increased hunger,
- increased sweating and body temperature
- mild symptoms of suppression
Training & Diet:
- User was in a moderate caloric surplus and went to the gym consistently. He did however go on a 10 day holiday in the middle of his cycle and miss out on proper training with weights.
Notes:
8 Week | Bulk | RAD 140 Only
Reddit User & Source: thread deleted
Users’ stats:
- Height: 6’2
- Starting weight: 185 lbs
- Age: 19
- Experience level: beginner
Cycle details:
- Length: 8 weeks
- Dosage: 10 mg/day
Results:
- User gained 13 lbs of muscle
- Increase in strength across all lifts but most notably:
Weight | Bench | Squat | Deadlift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Before | 185 lbs | 205lbs | x | x |
After | 198 lbs | 255lbs | x | x |
Testosterone base:
- user did not do a testosterone base
PCT:
- User did not PCT
Bloodwork:
- User did not do bloodwork
Reported side effects:
- No side effects reported
Training & Diet:
- user did not disclose his training and diet during their cycle
Notes:
8 Weeks | Bulk | RAD 140 Only
Reddit User & Source: thread deleted
Users’ stats:
- Height: undisclosed
- Starting weight: 148 lbs
- Experience level: complete beginner
Cycle details:
- Length: 8 weeks
- Dosage: 15 mg/day
Results:
- User gained 20lbs of muscle at a lower bodyfat
- Lifts went up
Weight | Bodyfat % | Bench | Squat | Deadlift | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before | 148 lbs | ~ 15% | x | x | x |
After | 168 lbs | ~ 12% | x | x | x |
Testosterone base:
- user did not do a testosterone base
PCT:
- The user did not take PCT and reported no symptoms of suppression
Bloodwork:
- user did not do bloodwork
Reported side effects:
- Minor supression
Training & Diet:
- User ran a PPL (push pull legs) program
- Consumed 3400-3600 per day and ate 200g of protein
Notes:
While the user did not PCT he admittedly took ashwagandha and a multivitamin as a “replacement” for proper PCT.
Fortunately, he wasn’t very suppressed to begin with so it worked out fine. But if he actually was very suppressed it would have been a different battle.
Always have a PCT at hand when doing any kind of SARM cycle. Ashwagandha and a multivitamin are not a replacement for proper post cycle therapy and will not replenish your testosterone levels back to baseline if suppressed.
Conclusion & Personal Experience
The characteristics of RAD 140 make it the perfect all-around SARM that can be effectively used for any game plan as you just saw.
In my experience RAD 140 works best in bulking cycles with a slight caloric surplus. That way one can not only remain lean while gaining muscle, but also fully maximize the muscle gaining benefits of RAD 140.
The level of testosterone suppression is moderate, comparable to that of LGD-4033. PCT is recommended, with bloodwork being the deciding factor for whether you need one. Some people can even get away without running one, but you should always have a SERM at hand ready to deploy just in case.
In any case, what you just read was the most detailed analysis of REAL anecdotal cases on the internet.
Now you know what to expect, and you can learn from their mistakes to make an educated game plan with RAD 140.
Good luck.
